first impressions

From habitat highlights - issue 41, inspired exteriors

Decorating the exterior of your home is about creating a lasting first impression and setting the tone for what lies within.

A subtle contrast of light neutrals

The subtle contrast of light neutrals – Resene Concrete and Resene Half Black White – highlight the delicate detailing on this cherished villa.

With the right choice of Resene paints and products, you can elevate your home's façade to reflect your personal style and stand out in the neighbourhood or blend in if you prefer. From timeless villas to modern masterpieces, this selection of inspiring looks showcases how colour and creativity can transform your home's exterior – and we know they’re sure to give you some inspiration.

Heritage highlights

Beautiful heritage villas are known for their character and charm. They are also brimming with distinctive features that can be beautifully highlighted to enhance their appeal. These homes often boast intricate fretwork, decorative brackets and veranda posts that can easily be accentuated with contrasting Resene colours.

Classic gates and fences, typically found in older villas, can be refreshed in Resene Heritage colours such as Resene Burnt Umber, Resene Quarter Blanc or Resene Ivy Green, or you can opt for classics like Resene Half Black White and Resene Grey Friars. Window sashes and bay windows also provide an excellent opportunity for a splash of colour, making them stand out against the more muted tones of the weatherboards.

The elegant detailing on eaves, gables and balustrades can be painted in shades like Resene Double Cod Grey to emphasise the architectural craftsmanship. With these thoughtful touches you can bring out the timeless elegance and unique personality of your villa.

top tip Add Resene Hot Weather Additive to your Resene waterborne paint when you’re painting in the heat. It will slow down the dry time for you, giving you more time to get a quality finish.

A bright neutral villa exterior

Moving away from darker shades, this home was painted in brighter neutrals to keep it looking fresh and current for years to come. The weatherboards are painted in Resene Concrete, a gentle silvery grey, while complementary trims, fascia and soffits are in Resene Half Black White. The door and front pillars are in contrasting Resene Bokara Grey and the deck and steps pair beautifully with the home in Resene Triple Concrete, while not taking away from the structure itself. Project by Leonie von Sturmer, images by Jono Parker.

Use black on gates and fences for a stunning contrast

In keeping with the gentle façade of this villa, Resene Gull Grey was used on the weatherboards, with trims and soffits in Resene Sea Fog. Gentle neutrals and colours are a great way to let the character of an older villa come through. For a stunning contrast, a black like Resene Nero can be used on gates, fences and plant pots, enhancing the overall look. Project by Charlotte Minty of Charlotte Minty Interior Design, image by Bonny Beattie.

Knock on wood

Natural wood exteriors exude warmth and charm that fits perfectly with our natural landscapes. Resene Waterborne Woodsman, in shades like Resene Bark, Resene Cedar and Resene Natural, enhances the natural grain and texture of the wood while providing protection from the elements.

For a modern twist, consider a two-tone effect using lighter and darker shades on your trims or decking. This approach highlights the structure of your home adding depth and interest to the façade.

Tuscan farmhouse style windows

Working with the theme of a ‘Tuscan farmhouse’, these custommade window frames were stained with Resene Woodsman Bark, making them a stand-out feature of this exterior painted in classic off white Resene Bone. Project by Alicia Stephens of AMS Interiors & Styling, image by Leigh Baumann Photography.

A garage with cedar cladding

Highlighting one side of this home and garage, this cedar cladding, finished in Wood-X Cedar Oil in the shade Tor from Resene ColorShops, adds a touch of nature and warmth to the otherwise neutral palette. The plastered brick is painted in Resene Quarter Napa. Project and image by Designgroup Architects h + k.

Join the dark side

For a bold and dramatic statement, dark exteriors are increasingly popular. Deep, moody colours like Resene Bokara Grey and Resene Baltic Sea create a striking and modern appearance – they look especially great in rural or landscaped settings where lush greenery is present.

Dark exteriors also offer practical benefits, as they tend to hide dirt and imperfections better than lighter shades, reducing maintenance efforts. When paired with natural materials such as wood and stone, dark hues can enhance the texture and depth of the façade, adding richness and complexity to the overall design.

If you’ve been wanting to try a dark colour for your exterior but worried about the heat damaging the substrate over the warmer months, you can use the Resene CoolColour version of the colour to reduce heat stress and damage. A Resene CoolColour reflects more of the sun’s damaging UV rays than the standard version of the colour and is especially useful when you’re opting for a dark paint or stain.

A dark exterior colour scheme

The use of a dark colour scheme on this exterior brings the classic features of an Art Deco Queenslander to the forefront. Weatherboards are painted in Resene Half Fuscous Grey, plastering and rafters in Resene Nero and contrasting trims in Resene Quarter Black White.

Dark colours were used to contrast with the landscape and gardens

To create a stunning contrast to the landscape and gardens, Resene Nero was painted on these balustrades, complementing the home painted in dark Resene Half Fuscous Grey. Trims are painted in Resene Quarter Black White. Projects by Dion Seminara Architecture, images by Darren Kerr.

Neutral territory

Neutrals are a perennial favourite for a reason. They offer a versatile backdrop that can adapt to any style or setting. From cool, crisp Resene Black White to warm, inviting Resene Half Spanish White, these shades create a sophisticated and timeless exterior that complements both traditional and contemporary homes.

Neutrals blend seamlessly with various materials, such as wood, stone and metal, enhancing the overall aesthetic of your home. They also provide a perfect canvas for showcasing architectural details and landscaping, allowing your home’s unique features to shine. Pairing different neutral tones can also add subtle sophistication, creating a harmonious yet dynamic look that exudes elegance and refinement.

Near neutral greens/blues are a great choice for villas

Subtle, near neutral shades of greens and blues are great choices for villas. This original veranda is a cosy spot to sit and read or have a catch up over a cuppa. The weatherboards are painted in Resene Half Inside Back, a beautiful green edged grey. The deck is painted in Resene Rolling Stone, window trims and fence in Resene Geyser and fretwork and woodwork in Resene Black White. Project by Barbara Lawson of Homes Created, image by David Leggott. View alternative looks for this outdoor living space.

A traditional villa scheme

A traditional scheme was chosen for the exterior of this villa, showcasing its architectural beauty. Resene Half Alabaster on weatherboards is a clean and crisp choice that will stand the test of time. Trims are painted in Resene Alabaster and the roof is a subtle contrast painted in soft Resene Gull Grey. Project by Thomas Ward and Jess Driver of I Am Developer, image by Taylor Wilson.

A turn-of-the-century house

The colours for this ADU (accessory dwelling unit) were chosen to be appropriate to the colour palette of the period of the turn-of-the-century house it sits beside while also being modern. Resene Half Delta was chosen for the weatherboards, with doors in Resene Grey Friars and highlighted trims in Resene White. Project by Rare Buildings, image by Jason Ireland.

Pop goes the paint

Injecting unexpected pops of colour into your home’s exterior can transform it from ordinary to extraordinary. Bright hues like Resene Turbo or Resene Adrenalin can be used on front doors, window frames or even as an accent wall to create a playful and inviting vibe.

These bold colours not only make a statement but also add personality and charm to your home. If you prefer a more subtle approach, consider using Resene Sorbet or Resene Coriander on garden features or outdoor furniture for a cohesive and lively outdoor space.

top tip If you’re going bold, use a gloss finish, such as Resene Super Gloss or Resene Enamacryl, to bring out the intensity of your colour.

An exterior with a burst of colour

The striking box addition to this home is painted in Eco Choice approved Resene Sonyx 101 waterborne paint tinted to Resene Bright Red, standing out from the Wellington hills with its semi-gloss finish.

This burst of colour is paired with Resene Half Sea Fog on the window sash and neutral Resene Half Silver Chalice on the exterior of the existing home. Project and image by Walker Architecture & Design.

An exterior with provocative cerulean blue

The incredibly provocative cerulean blue, Resene Allports, was chosen for the back entrance of this home, creating a unique entryway.

The client wanted a ‘funky point of difference’ and that’s exactly what they got – a colour that packs a punch. Pair this with a dark shade on cladding like Resene Element to make your bright colour contrast really pop. Project and image by Hunter Architecture.

did you know? You can get favourite Resene colours made into Resene Powder Coating so your windows match your paint. Find out more www.resene.com/powdercoating.

Opening statements

Your front door is the gateway to your home and an excellent opportunity to make a statement. A vibrant door can add a welcoming touch and enhance your home’s curb appeal. There is a wide range of colours that can turn your front door into a focal point, from the classics like Resene Pohutukawa and Resene Clockwork Orange, to unique hues like Resene Sushi and Resene Paua. Whether you prefer a bold and bright entrance or a subtle and sophisticated look, there is a shade to suit every style.

Through the thoughtful use of colour you can transform your home’s façade to reflect your personal style and make a statement in your neighbourhood. The possibilities are endless. Let these inspiring examples guide you in creating an exterior that not only stands out but also complements the unique character of your home.

A golden yellow front door

The golden yellow hue of Resene Hot Toddy adorns this front door and window frame, paired with trims in Resene White and contrasting cladding in Resene Element. Project and image by Katrina and Mike.

A light blue front dor

This front door is a breath of fresh air. Painted in Resene Frozen, it pairs well with the white and grey on the exterior. The weatherboards are painted in Resene Grey Friars and trims in Resene Black White. Project by Melanie Jayne Design, image by Rachel Hadfield.

Which finish is right for you?

Decorator favourites are easy-clean Resene Sonyx 101 semi-gloss or Resene Lumbersider Low Sheen to cover imperfections.
For higher gloss use Resene Hi-Glo; for matte use Resene Lumbersider Matt.
For plaster cladding use Resene X-200 weathertight membrane for protection and to bridge small cracks.
On an Art Deco or Mediterranean style home try Resene AquaShield, an ultra flat mineral-effect finish.
Use Resene Lustacryl (semi-gloss) or Resene Enamacryl (gloss) on trim and joinery.
For a stained wood finish use Resene Waterborne Woodsman or Resene Woodsman Wood Oil Stain (solventborne) on weatherboards and fences.
Stain decks with Resene Woodsman Decking Oil Stain (waterborne) or Resene Woodsman Wood Oil Stain or Resene Kwila Timber Stain for a kwila-look. For an oiled-look use Resene Furniture and Decking Oil.
Use Resene Walk-on for painting walking areas. Add Resene Anti-Slip Grip Additive or use Resene Non-Skid Deck & Path for a non-slip finish, especially in wet areas.

Colours mentioned in this article